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Toddlers can be rambunctious and full of energy, and sometimes this leads to accidents that can cause bone fractures. While toddler bone fractures can be treated by a doctor, most parents prefer to prevent them from happening in the first place. If you have a young child in your family, use the following tips to help prevent bone fractures:

Let Your Child Be Active

It is not uncommon for parents who are worried about bone fractures and other injuries to be overly cautious with their toddlers and attempt to restrict activities. In reality, toddlers need time to run, jump, and play freely. Being active actually stimulates bone growth and can make the bones stronger so they are less susceptible to bone fractures. Let your toddler be active, but just make sure the area where he or she is playing is clear of anything that could cause a fall or other type of accident.

Make Sure Your Child's Diet Includes Calcium and Vitamin D

Growing toddlers need a diet that is rich in calcium to help their bones grow and strengthen. Many toddlers get calcium from milk, but other sources of calcium include cheese, leafy greens, and foods that are fortified with calcium, such as cereal or orange juice.

But getting enough calcium is not enough on its own-- your toddler also needs vitamin D in order for calcium to be absorbed properly by the bones. Spending time in the sun promotes the body to produce vitamin D, and the vitamin can also be found in fatty fish, like salmon and tuna, eggs, and mushrooms. If your toddler has signs of being vitamin D deficient, his or her pediatrician may recommend vitamin D supplements.

Get Serious About Child-Proofing Your Home

When you have an active toddler, it is essential to child-proof your home in order to prevent bone fractures and other injuries. If you have a multi-story home, affix secure gates at the top and bottom of your stairs. It is also important to secure large pieces of furniture, such as dressers, bookcases, and TV stands, to the wall to prevent them from falling over on your toddler. Having a safe environment for a toddler can go a long way towards preventing bone fractures.

Pay Attention to the Crib

If you have a young toddler who still sleeps in a crib, make sure that you never leave toys or stuffed animals in it, since these items can be used to help a toddler climb out and potentially fall. If your toddler is tall enough to climb out of the crib on his or her own, move your child into a toddler bed. Falling while trying to climb out of a crib can cause multiple bone fractures, so it is much better to use a toddler bed, even if it takes some time to teach your child to stay in it when it is time for sleep. 

Contact a medical office like Ultimate Sports for more information and assistance.